Competition – UK Wallballhttp://ukwallball.co.uk
The national governing body for Wallball in the UKTue, 06 Mar 2018 00:14:59 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8Massive Success at the UK Openhttp://ukwallball.co.uk/massive-success-at-the-uk-open/
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 18:58:06 +0000http://ukwallball.co.uk/?p=2628Over 500 people turned out to the 2018 UK Wallball Open to attend a 4 day international festival to celebrate the sport of Wallball and everything we’ve been doing this year. The festival took place on 16th to 19th February on our new courts at the Westway Sports Centre.

Key stats:

Over 500 people playing over 4 days

51:49 gender split

Youngest player 6, oldest player 92!!

Over 350 games played

100 school kids on Monday

8 Schools launched

24 new coaches trained

12 countries present

Our biggest event…EVER!

All our players from Doubles Sunday, on our new court

Wallball is a simple sport, in which players compete by hitting a ball against a wall with their hands. It is played all over the world and after being accepted as an official World Games sport, it will hopefully be featured in the Olympics in 2028.

Our amazing stroke groups from Newham

The four-day festival included a wide range of different activities to showcase the sport. On the Friday UK Wallball organised a day of free activity for anyone with a disability or that had suffered from a stroke, to encourage them to take part in the sport and to show them the benefits of the sport for rehabilitation. We showed off our stroke rehab trial, our new smart wall and how we break down the game to its simplest forms to make it even more accessible than ever before. We also trained up 24 new coaches!

We trained up 24 new coaches

On the Saturday and Sunday we hosted an international festival for people to come and try the sport as well as learn from top Wallball champions including the world number one female player, Danielle Daskalakis. Members of the public were then able to watch her in action as she took part in the finals of the competition as well as enjoy a local arts festival.

With over 100 competitors this year’s Open was fantastic from the beginners right through to the pros. In the top divisions Danielle (USA) and Sacha (ESP) cleaned up the singles titles, while Mar and Patri (ESP) and Vlad & Ingmar (USA) won the doubles. Elsewhere in the tournament there was great British success from Andy Pringle, partnering with George Miller to win the Over 40s, Julie McIntyre from Durham won the women’s beginners and Westway wallball coach Dan Pritchard won the beginner’s doubles with his colleague Matt.

Finally, on Monday 19th February the festival culminated in a day specifically organised for local school children to come and try the sport. Over 100 children turned out for the day and were able to try the sport for free, as well as learn from Danielle Daskalakis. The event was a huge success (especially the glow ball!) and 8 schools have launched off the back of it.

Glow Ball!

“We were delighted to be able to host this event in partnership with UK Wallball and to welcome so many people through our doors,” says Everyone Active General Manager Ian Ling. “We hope that this festival will kick start legacy of projects in the area for years to come and that this will encourage more members of our community to get involved in this fun and fast sport suitable for everyone.”

The Westway Centre will be our main West London Hub going forward with 7 indoor courts (and an 8th coming), we’ll also be refurbishing the outdoor courts to create 4 awesome new courts in time for summer.

100 happy kids!

The Wallball courts are available for adults on Tuesdays from 20:00-22:00 – come and join the fun! And you can hire out the tennis courts with the wallball courts on to play socially.

Together Everyone Active and UK Wallball will be soon launching a new junior wallball programme as well as several other Wallball programmes. For more information please visit www.ukwallball.co.uk

]]>UK Open is Back! ENTER NOW!http://ukwallball.co.uk/uk-open-is-back-enter-now/
Mon, 11 Dec 2017 20:55:54 +0000http://ukwallball.co.uk/?p=2600The UK Open is back and this year it’ll be bigger than ever. Over the weekend of 17-18th Feb we’ll be hosting a massive tournament at a brand new venue with 6 courts at the Westway Sports Centre, Latimer Road.

The Open forms part of a larger festival that sees us showcase some of the amazing work we’ve been doing this year. On Friday 16th we’ll be running a day of disability and health wallball. On Monday 19th we’re hosting a school tournament and we’ll have many top players from around the world over to help us deliver what should be an inspirational day!

You can enter directly or choose to attend many of our events over the weekend, to which entry is free, by visiting www.ukwallball.eventbrite.com

]]>World Team Champs – Colombia Reporthttp://ukwallball.co.uk/world-team-champs-colombia-report/
Sat, 09 Dec 2017 21:01:40 +0000http://ukwallball.co.uk/?p=2606Team GBR are back from a wonderful and inspiring week in Pasto, Colombia, where we competed in the CIJB World Team Championships. We may not have won a trophy this time, but we’ve plenty to be proud of, had some phenomenal experiences and left with memories and friends for life.

Like all CIJB tournaments there are 4 events to play in (not just wallball). This year we fielded a team of seasoned pros and new development players and we hope the next generation has been inspired to continue. Our party included Luke Thomson (taking on the mantle of Captain), Daniel Grant, Luke Stradwick, Penn Chai, Ian Chai and Monty Evans. We’re only expected to perform in the wallball, in the other sports we set out not to just make up the numbers, but compete and do ourselves proud.

Jeu Internationale – a field handball game played on a grass pitch where a tennis ball is batted from side to side with hands. 5 on each team. A bit like volleyball, but no net and the ball can bounce once.

Llargues – the old Spanish classic where a hard small white ball is hit down a street or tarmac pitch about 100m long. This is a tough game and we’re traditionally not very good at it, although we did beat France last time!

Wallball – a doubles tournament with 1 pair from each country. We would be fielding Grant & Thomson who were runner’s up in the Spanish Open this year and walked away with the bronze medal 3 years ago.

Chaza – each tournament the domestic sport of the nation is the 4th In Colombia this is Chaza. It is a bit like llargues but with a shorter pitch and a heavier, bigger, bounce ball.

Before getting into things we must say a huge thank you to the CIJB, the government of Narino, our amazing guides Andreas, Mafe, Brian and Jessi and all the people of Pasto for being so welcoming, so friendly and so well organized for such a huge event. This was a hugely special event and an unforgettable experience in no small way down to the people we met.

Wallball

This was our main event and we were hoping to make a major impact. We know based on the last few European Tour events that Dan & Luke as a doubles pair are comfortable taking on the best from the European countries – but the South American countries were a mystery. There was a lot of hype about Mexico who were fielding the famed “El Matador”, who had beaten Timbo Gonzalez, the best in the world, only a few weeks before. And sure enough Mexico blasted through their group stages and were clearly the team to beat.

Our first match was against Spain, who have tended to be our major rival since we beat them in the European Championship final in 2010. We would be playing Kruithoff (fresh from training in New York) and Bueno. This was a must win as we all realized that, although two go through the 4 team group stage, the second place would play Mexico in the quarters. We knew it would be a close game and unfortunately it did not go our way. A frustrating match featuring line judges not paying attention, a referee who didn’t know all the rules and some gamesmanship on the court all added up to us losing 11-10 in the second game, with one of our points erroneously reversed at a crucial moment. This unfortunate experience led Team GB to step into the refereeing mantle for the rest of the event and both Lukes, Penn, Dan and Monty (making his debut) refereed the lions share of the tournament along with Venezuela. Thank you to the CIJB for having confidence in our team.

We came through our other two games comfortably and faced off against Mexico in the quarters. It was a spectacular show from the Mexicans with El Matador’s power and accuracy unmatched by almost every player in the world and, backed up with Isaac, his speedy and stable partner, the duo were invincible. Our boys performed well and sneeked 6 points off them with some aggressive “do or die” play – Grant hitting his finest shot of the tournament, but it wasn’t enough. Mexico then went on to win the tournament comfortably thrashing Argentina in the finals.

The International Game

We were in the group of death here and a man down as Monty, our youngest player, had to come late due to an important interview (which he succeeded in, so it was worth being late!! Well done, Monty!). Two of the three best teams in the world were in our group – Spain and Holland. Rather unfortunately Cuba, who we’d have liked to play, were a no-show at the tournament. So we only had two incredibly tough games.

Against Holland we got off to a great start. Grant served with venom and the Dutch had no answer. It was 1-1 and all to play for. Then we lost all our other games (the server rotates around). 6-1. D’oh.

After a day of rain the pitch was then pretty mangled, so if the ball bounced, which it often did, the bounce was down to complete chance. Spain were mightier than Holland and we lost this came to love. However, special props to Ian Chai who hit a remarkable daisy cutter, finding its way into the oppositions half through at least 3 pairs of legs. A fine shot!

Llargues

Again with the tough group and no Cuba (we were having a bad draw this year!). Holland and Ecuador. Holland are top 3 in the world and we were no match for their power. The highlight of the match was when finally, Monty arrived just in time to be subbed on the for the final point. He didn’t get to touch the ball but the crowd loved it!

We had a closer game against Ecuador with more than a few rallies but again, sadly, did not come through on top.

Chaza

That left Chaza – the domestic game of Colombia and one of the most brilliant experiences for all of our players. We drove from Pasto to San Jose two hours away through the winding, lush green Andes. In San Jose we were astonished to be met by over 5000 people, lining the streets and the stands to see Chaza in action.

Again, as was routine by now, we had a group of death, including Spain and Colombia! The final team was the Basque Country.

The opening ceremony was brilliant with music, anthems and cheering a plenty. Then the games commenced. We were first up against Colombia. We had no hope of winning, but it was a privilege to be on court with these guys. We were asked to serve first which meant Grant had the honour of hitting the first Chaza ball of the tournament in front of the crowd. The court is about 70m long and the ball is heavy and about the size of a tennis ball. Little did we know that in order to serve legitimately you had to make the ball go between 55m and 70m. That’s a long way to hit a ball. And we didn’t know that particular rule until we lost the first point.

Then Grant had to crack out the much famed “Tornado” serve in order to serve the distance. Eventually he managed it and even cracked out an ace much to the roaring delight of the crowd.

Needless to say we lost to Colombia and Spain but we had a closer game against the Basques. The highlight of all our memories has to be winning over the hearts and minds of the crowd by donning ponchos and walking out to a huge rapture of cheering and applause.

We’ll look forward to the European Championships in August in Holland.

The 7th Belgium Open at the KillShot Club was another spectacular event, with world no.1 Timbo Gonzalez making the trip. The stand out player this weekend was Penn Chai, making his first podium finish!

Grant: Semi-finals Men’s Singles

Penn Chai: Runner-Up Men’s Beginners

Dutch Open

The 2017 European Tour was rounded off with the Dutch Open. Good practice before the World Championships next week!

The European Tour Events are suitable for all players – even beginners and the World Championships next year are an absolute must! For the European Tour we’ve arranged limited accommodation which will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Dutch Open – Nov 10 – 13

World Team Championships, Colombia – Nov 17 – 26

We’re looking for a squad to come out to Colombia for what promises to be one of the most spectacular tournaments to date. We’re looking for 6 men and 4 women. All expenses paid once in Colombia – you’ll have to pay for flights and some admin fees.

There’ll be 4 sports to play. It is unlikely you’ll play Wallball in competition but you will represent GBR at several other handball sports and be introduced to the top level of international play. We’ve played all the sports before and they’re great fun!

2018

UK Open – Feb 16 – 19

French Open – TBC

Await details.

Italian Open – TBC

Await details.

Irish Open – TBC

Await details.

World Championships – Aug 9 – 19

The pinnacle event on the wallball calendar. The World Championships are a Triennial event where thousands of people come together with the common interest of hitting balls against walls. Ask anyone who has been before and they’ll tell you this is one of the best experiences of their lives. We’re looking to take a big tour with us next year.

Pupils from three local primary schools battled for the trophy – St Mary of the Angels, St Charles and Thomas Jones. Each school entered a team of four boys and four girls with the round robin format producing some competitive yet friendly matches.

“All the children, the teachers and the parents who came to support had a great day and the standard achieved by the boys and girls was remarkable considering how little they had played before.”

The winning school was Thomas Jones which also produced the Boys’ Champion, Ramy and the Girls’ Champion, Lirio. St Charles were second with St Mary’s third.

Next term it is planned to hold further tournaments for both primary and secondary schools and during the school holidays there will be some special Wallball and Eton Fives Days which are open to all local children from age seven upwards.

]]>Smashing it at the Schools’ Spring Tournamenthttp://ukwallball.co.uk/smashing-it-at-the-schools-spring-tournament/
Tue, 14 Mar 2017 09:29:47 +0000http://ukwallball.co.uk/?p=2422Three schools battled it out in our second school event in East London. Gallions, Carpenters and Chobham brought teams of five to compete in the u8 and u11 categories.

Run by Gareth and Dan, and with help from the magnificent London Legacy volunteers, the tournament was a huge success. Games were fun, fast and friendly as players met their opposite number for speedy games to 7, their teammates chanting a chorus of support behind the lines.

We introduced our friendly serve only rules and were pleased to see every child competing with sportsmanship and decency.

In the end Carpenters won the under 8s and Gallions won the under 11s. It was a great day with fun had by all. We were truly amazed by the talent and skill on offer and can’t wait for our next tournament in summer.

Thanks as always to Chobham for hosting and to all the teachers, volunteers and coaches who made it possible. Finally to London Legacy for funding the event.

See facebook for our full album.

]]>Beginner’s Tournament Returnshttp://ukwallball.co.uk/uknationals-2017/
Fri, 02 Dec 2016 08:24:28 +0000http://ukwallball.co.uk/?p=2408A tournament specifically designed for beginners and social players. A day of fun, guaranteed games and top wallball coaching from Team GBR. Of course, there’ll also be Saturday night party! The tournament is likely to happen in June – we’re just confirming the details and we’ll let you know as soon as we do!

]]>First ever school event tiring…but AWESOME!http://ukwallball.co.uk/schoolfestival2016/
Tue, 22 Nov 2016 17:31:32 +0000http://ukwallball.co.uk/?p=2365We were delighted to run our first ever school wallball festival last Friday at Chobham Academy in East London. With its newly marked courts Chobham was a perfect host school for what turned out to be an awesome but incredibly knackering morning!
Everyone on court!

We have 55 children participate from 3 of our launch schools. Carpenter’s primary, Gallions primary and Chobham primary. They were split into groups and then rotated for a relentless 2 hours around five wallball stations in the sports hall, each testing their skills in new and fun ways.

They had a chance to “Beat the Wall” in our minute challenge and to “Beat the Coach” just next door. Hand-eye coordination was built on in the next station with loads of fun group games. Then came the footwork station – a skill crucial to not just wallball but all activities. Then came a breather – an artwork station where the groups designed their own “Beat the Wall” concept wall in association with Intelligent Health, which they can bring back to their schools and play against. Finally the fast and furious relay station, which tested all the skills they’d learnt in one go.

Beat the Wall design

All the kids seemed to have a great time and we were thrilled to see so many happy boys and girls having such a great time.

Huge thanks to our volunteers, coaches and helpers who made the day possible and of course to our head coach (and current Coach of the Month), Gareth Price, for designing the morning so elegantly. Thanks also to LLDC for funding the event and to Chobham for hosting.

We’re now really looking forward to our next school event in March where we’ll also introduce our secondary school players into the mix. Our full album is on Facebook and some vids on YouTube too.

Working with Sam

]]>Dutch Open madnesshttp://ukwallball.co.uk/dutchopen2016/
Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:40:51 +0000http://ukwallball.co.uk/?p=2373A great weekend was had by everyone at the Dutch Open. Sadly this year our players couldn’t match their successes of old – the Dutch Open has traditionally been a goldmine of success, but alas not this year. It was Daniel Grant in the mens competition who got the furthest by reaching the quarters and then again in the doubles with his partner Daniel Tristao.

Luke Stradwick, Kathleen Briedenhann and Tessa Mills all gave it their all but fell in the group stages. But we lost on the court, we made up for off it. A great party on Saturday night produced some seriously flair 10-pin bowling.

Possibly a little too casual in the doubles, Tristao…

Thanks to Bauke and the Dutch team for organising such a tremendously fun event, although next year we hope they stick to the ProTour format a little more rigidly so that all our players know what to expect.